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I got a slow start to Instructions for Dancing, which started off on a rather sad note by contemporary standards, and I didn't expect the magical realism element. I also thought this was an adult contemporary romance, not a young adult contemporary romance, but I still enjoyed it. The story quickly grew on me, and I can always count on loving anything by Nicola Yoon.

If you are looking for a Happily Ever After story, this is not it. But it is a Happy For A Little While story, bittersweet but well done (and I should've expected this from Yoon by now, shouldn't I?)

I really enjoyed the cast of characters Yoon put together to support Evie and X, and the many, many love stories that were represented in the book, too – not everyone ended up together forever, and it was OK and healthy. You don't always get that, especially in YA.

Instructions for Dancing promises romance, ballroom dancing, a hint of magic, and one girl’s quest to answer that age-old question: is love worth the risk? (Hint: it’s worth everything, everything!) 📚 📖 🔖 🛍 🌺 🌺 💃🏾

This one was just okay. I enjoyed Evie and X’s love story, but all the other sub-plots felt unnecessary. I really would have loved more of the book to focus on Evie being able to see a couple’s fate. That felt like a fun and unique story, but it was largely ignored. Yoon’s other novels were much better.

Thank you so much to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions stated are entirely my own. I loved this book! The story was so fast-paced and the writing was absolutely amazing! I have never read a book by Nicola Yoon but I now see why she is so popular! I also thought the concept was pretty cool and unique. The parts of the story where Evie saw visions about people's love stories was very fun to read about. My only complaint about this book is that I wished it was longer! Definitely a great read!

I have a soft spot in my heart that Nicola Yoon's novels know how to comfort.
I am always so drawn into her prose, her characters, her setting, her worlds. It's so easy to start and not stop until the story ends, and it's refreshing after multiple books that didn't grab me.

This is my favorite Nicola Yoon novel so far! The main character was absolutely lovely and her story is relatable to many. As Evie learns to ballroom dance, she goes through life's ups and downs, coming to terms with the pain that goes along with incredible love.

After a quick review, I am certain our library visitors will love this book and I am looking forward to sharing it with them. Thank you for the ARC!

A book that has (rightfully) received so much praise by reviewers and readers alike. A touching story about giving love a chance, and embracing all that life has to offer. It was exactly the book I needed to read in the present moment, and I look forward to re-visiting Evie & X's story again and again!

This is the second book I have read this summer where I feel like the cover deceived me. I really did enjoy this book and it’s deep insight but it is not the romance novel I thought it would be. There was romance but it is a bit more philosophical. There is definitely more depth to this book then the typical romance novel and I like that. I enjoyed the book and will be recommending this book in my library.

This book was an easy five stars. It hit all the right notes (or should I say steps?!) for a great summer read!

Don't let the cover fool you, this is a pretty heavy book. Also, there's a bit of magical realism going on, which is not something I usually like, but it actually really worked here. I loved the combination of Evie dealing with heartbreak, taking dance lessons, and falling in love all in one story. This was not what I expected going in, but it pleasantly surprised me.

**Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review**

Evie Thomas is in her senior year of high school when her parents decide to divorce. When she discovers why they separate, Evie becomes jaded to love. In the process of getting rid of her favorite contemporary romance books, she finds a book "Instructions for Dancing." She also discovers a power to see the timeline of a relationship when a couple kisses: from the moment they meet and fall in love to the moment they break-up. This power become more problematic when her two bffs begin dating and she sees how their break-up will break up the friend group. However, her friend Malcolm, who is also in love with Evie's sister, pushes her to remain open-minded. The book and her powers leads her to La Brea School of Dance where she meets a boy named X.

Nicola Yoon had no right to assault my heart and tear-ducts the way she did!! This was such a bittersweet story that shows that the ending isn't the most important part of a story, but it's the journey that counts. Yoon's characters were empathetic even as Evie began opening herself up to love. I wish I hadn't read the ending because WHAT THE ACTUAL HECK! I enjoyed the journey, sure, but the ending took me out!! I finished this book in less than 24hrs and thoroughly enjoyed this quick, fun, heart-wrenching read. Is it petty to take out a star because it broke my heart?? Hmm...okok I'll take half a star...4.5 rounded to 5.

An unexpectedly good book that included an unexpected twist, but still gave hope on finding love, despite what the future may possibly hold.

I thought this book was cute but average. I found myself feeling a little disjointed with the premises, considering it's a contemporary romance but was bordering on magical realism.

I felt as if there wasn't much happening towards the beginning and once the action started picking up, the book was over. I need more in the way of character development and if you're going to essentially involve a magic system, I'm going to need more depth.

Not awful, but did not live up to The Sun is also a Star for me

A very bittersweet story! Evie loves romance but that changes after her parents split due to her father's infidelity, and her newfound ability to see how a relationship ends when a couple kisses after acquiring a book called Instructions for Dancing. It's no surprise that all this causes her to become very cynical about love. In an effort to rid herself of this ability, she decides to check out the dance studio that's listed in the book. She meets X and becomes his dance partner. Loved this story about love, heartbreak, new experiences, and opening up.

QOTD: Which do you prefer (if you HAD to choose), libraries or book stores?

I stole this question from someone (I’m sorry I forgot who 😅!) As romantic as libraries are and despite how much I love to have an armful of FREE BOOKS to borrow, all the kids’ programs and free online content, there’s nothing like a coffee in your hand browsing a bookstore carefully for the next book(s) to add to your shelves permanently.

Friday I asked you to vote in my story on whether or not you thought I’d finally finished Instructions for Dancing by @nicolayoon, and y’all, I did it! 🥳🥳 so, someone that voted yes will be getting a DM from me for a free hand-painted bookmark.

Onto my mini-review. I knew from the beginning of this book that I was going to like it. All in the first couple of chapters she references little free libraries, the movie Big with Tom Hanks (a fave 🤩) and settles the #teamedward Vs. #teamjacob argument (obvs, Edward>).

The story was a little magical and a lot of heartbreak! Evie, a former hopeless romantic, starts doubting love after her parents divorce and we spend 281 pages falling back in love with love alongside her. Also, if you’ve read it, how dreamy is X?

“It was beautiful. But it was sad, too. Both things, and at the same time. I don’t know why so much of life is like that.”

Thanks for early access from @netgalley and @randomhousekids, Available now!

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Nicola Yoon did not disappoint with this book. It gave me all the feels and romance I needed at the time! The story was incredibly sweet and I finished it super quick!

A truly lovely read! I loved following Evie’s journey- family, friendships, love, loss, and above all else, a path to self discovery … it was all brilliantly written and highly enjoyable. Safe to say this is my new favorite book by this author!

Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC of Instructions for Dancing in exchange for an honest review!

Instructions for Dancing plays around with the fact that it's a romance; our main character was, at one point prior to the opening of this book, obsessed with romance novels & it's something she brings up throughout the book. This contemporary romance also has a magical element, that plays a heavy hand in the story & the romance, however, it really didn't seem to be brought up too much.

Instructions for Dancing was honestly so cute & the romance was precious (I love X so much). & a reveal towards the end of the book truly hit me hard in the heart. I legit gasped out loud while reading this.

This was such a lovely book to read! It was heartwarming, fun, and cute. This story was true-to-life in a way some contemporary novels aren't. While a reader can suspend belief when experiencing a story, the story becomes more powerful when it doesn't require readers to do so. Though some of the coincidences are fantastic, and the ability to see the entire relationship of people in love when they kiss isn't exactly common, the reactions and feelings of the characters are. This realness made the book so amazing, even the bittersweet ending. I loved this book..